Brookladelphia’s Department of Public Interest invited six gentlemen to take part in a discussion to about style and fashion. In the social sphere, extremes are often highlighted. On one side of the spectrum, Men of Color are seen peacocking with colorful suits and on the other, they're decked out in the latest streetwear. These styles are a beautiful thing when done right. But, with today's curated algorithms, we often we find ourselves in a bubble of content, inundated with only one slice of life and experience. This project is aimed at shading in the colors between black and white. Initially, the chat focused on style diversity within the Black experience but developed into an enlightening discussion on what it means to be an American.

I’m happy to be apart of The George Hannah Society at The Brooklyn Historical Society. It's a new initiative and its goal is to promote Brooklyn’s rich history and culture. History is a true love of mine and this partnership will allow me to help share and promote it to Brooklyn, Philadelphia and beyond. Come on out to tonight’s First Friday. It’s all about Love. Valentine’s Day is less than a couple weeks away. Why not look at some vintage love letters straight from the BHS archives. Plus, there will be live music and Brooklyn Brewery beer. Join us tonight Friday, Feb 5th from 5-9pm

Snow bunnies got a healthy dose of snow this weekend. Jonah dumped nearly two feet of snow on Brookladelphia. Once the (snow) dust settled a winter wonder was revealed. It was the first time in a long time, I've been out playing in the snow, instead of working in it. I took full advantage. Enjoy.

Check out my attempt to look professorial as I meandered through Fairmount Park. The background may look familiar. That's because it's the backdrop for "12 Moneys" and M.Night Shyamalan's "The 6th Sense" and most importantly, it's in the same neighborhood as my Alma Mata Franklin Learning Center high school. Take a look at how I put together an outfit that would make me feel right at home in the teachers faculty.

Technology is making our world smaller and allowing artistic expression to become much more accessible. This blog is a clear example of that, but social media has put the movement in overdrive. Photography, a 150 year old piece of technology, used to be a laborious task. Yet, now it can be shared with the world in seconds, thanks to social media apps like Instagram. This past weekend I had the wonderful chance to take over The YesWilliamsburg Instagram feed and show off my photography (and fashion) skills.

Celebrating the new year and my birthday was a lot of fun. I picked up some nice accessories for the evening. I had a celebratory red lapel flower and a champagne pin from Pintrill, a local (Brooklyn Based) pin shop. The fireworks at Penn's Landing might be the best fireworks I've seen. The real treat began earlier in the day with my birthday present, a drone!

Brookladelphia is the capital when it a comes to New Year's Celebration

I'm typically conflicted when it comes to New Year's celebration. Well, it's because my birthday is on December 31st and I've always felt like people were celebrating the fact that my birthday was over instead of the new year. Yes, I took it personal, but I've moved on :). Check out a few cool spots in Brookladephia to celebrate the new year (and my birthday, kind of).

Fireworks (Philadelphia)

First Show: 6 p.m. - Families or those looking to celebrate the New Year a couple hours early are in luck: The first fireworks show goes down at 6 p.m. on the Delaware River waterfront. With the sun already set an hour before, the setting should be perfect for a wonderful show.

Second Show: MidnightTo officially ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display, head to the Delaware River waterfront with friends or family before midnight to snag a great seat for the festivities. The 15-minute show starts right at 12 a.m.

Read more:

Fireworks (Brooklyn)

11 pm – 12 am - Join Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the Prospect Park Alliance for this annual fireworks celebration. Locations for viewing the fireworks include Grand Army Plaza, the Park’s West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. Enjoy live entertainment by DJ C. Live featuring the Brooklyn Mash It Up Band, and also hot chocolate, at Grand Army Plaza prior to the big display.

Drinks

New Year's Eve Party at The Franklyn Bar - Cost $150.00

For the second year in a row The Franklin will be offering a 7 course holiday cocktail tasting, inspired by Head Bartender Sara Justice's Pennsylvania Dutch county roots. There's no better way to proceed into the new year than by looking back fondly at the past.

A champagne toast at midnight is included, plus snacks between drinks, but I'd advise a nice meal beforehand. Read more...

New Year's Eve Get together at Therapy Wine Bar - Cost $24.00

Hang out for an intimate 'get together' at Therapy Wine Bar and bring in the new year in the heart of Brooklyn's most famous neighborhood, Bed-Stuy. Read more...

You can't tell by the temperature, but Christmas is less than ten days away. Most people have made their list, checked it twice and wrapped their gifts. For those who haven't or those who, perhaps, like to show love year round, The Brookladelphian has put together a list of local small businesses who offer unique gift ideas and shopping experiences. Brookladelphia's small businesses offer a unique and intimate interaction between customers and shop owners. They also provide us with the opportunity to support our communities. Check out some of the latest and greatest in Brookladelphia entrepreneurs. Our list not only includes producers but also services. There's a quote circulating that says, "Collect memories, not things." There's no doubt Brookladelphia has memories to offer. Enjoy

In the Spirit

Neversink Spirits Apple Brandyis an amazingly smooth brandy and the absolute perfect partner-in-crime for spiked apple cider. It has a smooth taste and is a great sipping brandy. The apples are grown in New York State and the spirit is available in small batches around New York City including The Greene Grape in Brooklyn.

Have an experience

Therapy Wine Bar & Adrian Fanus Grooming (AFG)

It's no secret that AFG (Adrian Fanus Grooming) and Therapy Wine Bar are friends of The Brookladelphian. AFG is most definitely not your grandfather's barber shop. The barber shop prides itself on professional and quality service. A haircut and shave (along with complimentary drinks) can make for a great guys' day out. Remember that saying about collecting memories. One of the talented groomers at AFG will have you feeling like a million bucks and will make that ugly sweater you're wearing look much better.

Anthony Williams, co-owner of Therapy Wine Bar once told me, running the shop is like throwing a party every night and hoping everyone you invited will come. Well, it's a good thing they know how to party. Therapy has grown from a fledgling wine bar to a hot spot in the heart of Bed-Stuy. Plan a date and create more memories at this cozy local establishment that wonderfully straddles the line of new and old Bed Stuy; offering events for transplants and long time neighborhood residents. Here's an idea, get sliced and diced at AFG and finish the night at Therapy Wine Bar. But I warn you, you might not recall all those memories you created the night before.

Cool Stuff

Stars & Stripes

Stars & Stripes is a nice shop tucked away in The First Utilitarian Of Philadelphia on 22nd Street (at Ranstead). The boutique has a wonderfully curated collection of men's and women's wear. You may find another friend of The Brookladelphian, Arnold Steiner's accessories there. The boutique prides itself on quality service and American-made products. In 2015, we're used to e-commerce and the endless choices of the internet. But you can't buy service or the friendly smile of one of its curators, Anne Marie. While you're at it check out P&Q's and Totem on South Street located on the Philly side of Brookladelphia and in Brooklyn there's Leisure Life on Myrtle Avenue.

More Friends of The Brookladelphian

All abroad the Queens bound train to nostalgia! It was the second Sunday in the annual MTA Nostalgia Train ride. This year did not disappoint. The ride included trains from decades gone by and few passengers decided to match the days of yesteryear as well. Check out some of the incredible sights of sounds of 2015's nostalgia ride.

My colleagues and friends Joe Mauceri and Kenton Young have a new venture called Born In Brooklyn (BiB) media. It's a production company aimed at being on the forefront of media. They can train, produce, consult and do darn near everything else. For some odd reason they wanted to talk to me for their first podcast. Fortunately, it turned out decent. It was a ton of fun and hopefully you have as much fun listening as I did do it.

Progress for producing new content is moving along slowly, but surely. In the midst of relaunching (again) we lost our previous articles and videos. Fortunately, most of our videos still live on our youtube and vimeo channels. We put together some of videos on the site so you can take a slight glimpse into our short past and get ready for an awesome future. Stay tuned and enjoy this jawns.

A couple years ago, I had the wonderful chance to work with Kristen Catalanotto at NBC in Philadelphia. She’s one of the amazing videographers working for the station. She also happens to be a kick-ass photographer. When I decided I wanted some professional photos (I wasn’t taking), she was one of the first I people I thought of. I told her what I wanted and she was game. It also happened to be her first shoot ever in New York City.

There's no way I could've had this shoot at any other park. It had to be Prospect Park. I’m sure I’m not alone when It comes to my affections for Prospect Park. There’s this other New York City park (I think it’s called Central Park) and it tends to grab all the headlines, but Prospect Park is the true star. Central Park was Olstead and Vaux’s practice run. Their masterpiece is prospect park. I pitched the picnic on the Long Meadow near Grand Army Plaza and Kristen worked her magic.

A little while ago, The MTA opening an train station. Its first in 25 years. A few days after the opening I took a little tour of the new digs and it doesn't disappoint. The station is bright, sleek and air tempered. Its no Fulton Station, but impressive nonetheless.

Hello Brookladelphia! I'm back and for now it'll be through style blogging posts. This weekend I had the wonderful chance to attend a wedding. Over the past year I've averaged a wedding every two months. The most recent one was on the Philadelphia side of Brookladelphia. I had a chance to explore The Ben Franklin Parkway and The Rodin Museum wearing my new three piece suit and my first in at least ten years. I like it and I think I'll have to grab more.

Latest & Greatest

Brookladelphia’s Department of Public Interest invited six gentlemen to take part in a discussion to about style and fashion. In the social sphere, extremes are often highlighted. On one side of the spectrum, Men of Color are seen peacocking with colorful suits and on the other, they're decked out in the latest streetwear. These styles are a beautiful thing when done right. But, with today's curated algorithms, we often we find ourselves in a bubble of content, inundated with only one slice of life and experience. This project is aimed at shading in the colors between black and white. Initially, the chat focused on style diversity within the Black experience but developed into an enlightening discussion on what it means to be an American.

I’m happy to be apart of The George Hannah Society at The Brooklyn Historical Society. It's a new initiative and its goal is to promote Brooklyn’s rich history and culture. History is a true love of mine and this partnership will allow me to help share and promote it to Brooklyn, Philadelphia and beyond. Come on out to tonight’s First Friday. It’s all about Love. Valentine’s Day is less than a couple weeks away. Why not look at some vintage love letters straight from the BHS archives. Plus, there will be live music and Brooklyn Brewery beer. Join us tonight Friday, Feb 5th from 5-9pm

Snow bunnies got a healthy dose of snow this weekend. Jonah dumped nearly two feet of snow on Brookladelphia. Once the (snow) dust settled a winter wonder was revealed. It was the first time in a long time, I've been out playing in the snow, instead of working in it. I took full advantage. Enjoy.

Check out my attempt to look professorial as I meandered through Fairmount Park. The background may look familiar. That's because it's the backdrop for "12 Moneys" and M.Night Shyamalan's "The 6th Sense" and most importantly, it's in the same neighborhood as my Alma Mata Franklin Learning Center high school. Take a look at how I put together an outfit that would make me feel right at home in the teachers faculty.

Technology is making our world smaller and allowing artistic expression to become much more accessible. This blog is a clear example of that, but social media has put the movement in overdrive. Photography, a 150 year old piece of technology, used to be a laborious task. Yet, now it can be shared with the world in seconds, thanks to social media apps like Instagram. This past weekend I had the wonderful chance to take over The YesWilliamsburg Instagram feed and show off my photography (and fashion) skills.

Celebrating the new year and my birthday was a lot of fun. I picked up some nice accessories for the evening. I had a celebratory red lapel flower and a champagne pin from Pintrill, a local (Brooklyn Based) pin shop. The fireworks at Penn's Landing might be the best fireworks I've seen. The real treat began earlier in the day with my birthday present, a drone!